Self-optimizing Fixed Wireless Access Network Sectorization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional RF network planning for fixed wireless systems is complex and often relies on static assumptions, leading to inefficiencies in capacity management and spectrum usage due to factors like traffic unbalance and interference, especially in dense urban environments, where existing methods struggle to adapt to changing traffic patterns and equipment limitations.
Innovation Solution
A self-optimizing method that uses measurement data to adjust communication parameters, such as antenna tilt and power, to maintain signal strength and balance traffic loads across sectors, employing a server interface and element management system to dynamically modify network settings in real-time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If high-order sectorization is implemented to increase capacity, then the number of sectors per site increases, but handover regions increase and effective sectorization gain decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the coverage area into multiple sectors with different boundary configurations. It systematically evaluates sectorization from 1 to 8 sectors per site and identifies that 4 sectors provide optimal performance by segmenting the coverage area to minimize handover regions while maximizing capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of sector boundaries by evaluating different sectorization configurations (1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 sectors) and selecting the optimal configuration based on performance metrics. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction by finding the sweet spot where sectorization gain is maximized before handover regions become excessive.
2Productivity
If narrow beamwidth antennas are deployed to increase capacity in dense urban environments, then spectral efficiency improves, but interference to adjacent sectors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different beamwidth characteristics to different sectors based on their specific environmental conditions and traffic requirements. Each sector can be optimized with appropriate beamwidth to balance spectral efficiency and interference management locally rather than applying a uniform approach across all sectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the beamwidth parameter for each sector based on measurement data and performance metrics. By dynamically adjusting beamwidth parameters, the system achieves optimal spectral efficiency while controlling interference to adjacent sectors, resolving the contradiction through parameter optimization.
3Ease of manufacture
If static network planning approaches are used to predict equipment requirements, then initial network deployment is simplified, but the system cannot adapt to changing traffic patterns and demand
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static network planning to dynamic optimization by continuously monitoring measurement data and automatically adjusting sector boundaries and network parameters. The system adapts to changing traffic patterns in real-time, resolving the contradiction between deployment simplicity and adaptability by implementing self-optimizing dynamic control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where measurement data from the network is continuously collected, analyzed, and used to adjust network parameters and sector boundaries. This closed-loop feedback system enables the network to adapt to changing traffic patterns while maintaining operational simplicity through automated optimization.
4Quantity of substance
If existing sites are forced to host more equipment to satisfy capacity demand, then capacity requirements are met, but site congestion increases and service alteration becomes necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the site congestion problem by transitioning from a two-dimensional planar sectorization to a three-dimensional approach utilizing vertical sectorization and overlapping coverage areas. This dimensional change allows capacity expansion without adding physical equipment at congested sites, instead using spatial optimization to distribute load across multiple dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic load balancing by continuously adjusting sector boundaries based on traffic measurements, allowing existing sites to efficiently utilize available capacity without congestion. The dynamic optimization redistributes traffic loads automatically, maintaining service stability while meeting capacity requirements.
Data Source
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AI summary
An embodiment of the invention relates to a method of modifying communication parameters of a wireless network, the wireless network having at least two antennas, and each of the antennas providing coverage to at least one sector. The method including obtaining measurement data for at least two sectors of the wireless network, determining, from the obtained measurement data, if a signal strength indicator of one or more sectors of the at least two sectors is at or below a target value, determining, if the one or more sectors is at or below the target value, a communication parameter to be applied to the wireless network such that the signal strength indicator of the one or more sectors is above the target value, and modifying the communication parameters of the wireless network such that the determined communication parameter is applied to the wireless network.